Bow Samurai

These samurai archers are superb shots with an excellent range and the ability to fire an accurate volley of flaming arrows.

Archery has a long history in Japanese warfare and every samurai is expected to have mastered the art. Less skilled warriors can be trained to fire en masse, but it takes dedication and skill to shoot with accuracy, particularly in the heat of battle. Bow samurai can also shoot fearsome flaming missiles. These troops have high morale and are well-trained so can fight in melee if needed. They are vulnerable if attacked by cavalry.

In early samurai culture, proficiency with the bow was just as important as with the katana. In the 12th century, battles often started with an archery duel between the two factions, signalled by the firing of special whistling arrows. The Sengoku Jidai saw the bow marginalised as warfare changed. Individual battles of skill were replaced by sheer numbers and mass volleys. Also, the arquebus could be used by ordinary foot soldiers, and the spear could be used in close combat.

Unit Name

Bow Samurai

Unit Key

Inf_Missile_Bow_Samurai

Soldiers

120

Category

Ranged Infantry

Class

Bow Infantry

Multiplayer Cost

750

└ Multiplayer Limit

0

Recruitment Cost

750

├ Recruitment Turns

2

└ Unit Limit

0

Unkeep Cost

150

Melee Attack

5

└ Melee Weapon

sabre

Charge Bonus

5

Bonus vs Cavalry

0

Range

150

├ Missile Weapon

bow

└ Projectile

shogun_arrow

Accuracy

40

Reloading Skill

40

Ammunition

25

Melee Defence

2

Armour

4

Morale

8

Abilities

Flaming ArrowsThis unit can fire flaming arrows for a short period of time. Flaming arrows have a greater damage effect and can set fire to flammable objects. Flaming arrows don't function in wet weather.

ScreensA shield that can be erected during the deployment phase when you are defending. It impedes the movement of enemies, and blocks enemy projectiles.